Verification of a weight stored in a non-volatile memory cell in a neural network following a programming operation

ABSTRACT

Numerous embodiments are disclosed for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory. In one embodiment, a circuit for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory comprises a converter for converting a target weight into a target current and a comparator for comparing the target current to an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation. In another embodiment, a circuit for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory comprises a digital-to-analog converter for converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage, a current-to-voltage converter for converting an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation into an output voltage, and a comparator for comparing the output voltage to the target voltage during a verify operation.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/594,439, filed on May 12, 2017, and titled, “Deep Learning Neural Network Classifier Using Non-volatile Memory Array,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/337,760 filed on May 17, 2016, and titled, “Deep Learning Neural Network Classifier Using Non-volatile Memory Array,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to circuits and methods for performing a verification of a weight stored in a non-volatile memory cell in a neural network following a programming operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Artificial neural networks mimic biological neural networks (the central nervous systems of animals, in particular the brain) which are used to estimate or approximate functions that can depend on a large number of inputs and are generally unknown. Artificial neural networks generally include layers of interconnected “neurons” which exchange messages between each other. FIG. 1 illustrates an artificial neural network, where the circles represent the inputs or layers of neurons. The connections (called synapses) are represented by arrows, and have numeric weights that can be tuned based on experience. This makes neural nets adaptive to inputs and capable of learning. Typically, neural networks include a layer of multiple inputs. There are typically one or more intermediate layers of neurons, and an output layer of neurons that provide the output of the neural network. The neurons at each level individually or collectively make a decision based on the received data from the synapses.

One of major challenges in the development of artificial neural networks for high-performance information processing is the need for extreme accuracy in programming operations, as each cell can store one of N possible weights. For example, N might equal 64.

What is needed is improved circuits and methods for performing verify operations of a selected non-volatile memory cell after it is programmed with a weight.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Numerous embodiments are disclosed for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory.

In one embodiment, a circuit for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory comprises a converter for converting a target weight into a target current and a comparator for comparing the target current to an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation.

In another embodiment, a circuit for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory comprises a digital-to-analog converter for converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage, a current-to-voltage converter for converting an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation into an output voltage, and a comparator for comparing the output voltage to the target voltage during a verify operation.

In another embodiment, a method for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory comprises converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage, converting the target voltage into a target current, and comparing an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell to the target current during a verify operation.

In another embodiment, a method of verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory comprises converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage, converting an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation into an output voltage, and comparing the output voltage to the target voltage during a verify operation.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent by a review of the specification, claims and appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates an artificial neural network.

FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of conventional 2-gate non-volatile memory cell.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a conventional array architecture for the memory cell of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional view of conventional 2-gate non-volatile memory cell.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a conventional array architecture for the memory cell of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of conventional 4-gate non-volatile memory cell.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a conventional array architecture for the memory cell of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating neural network weight level assignments that are evenly spaced.

FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating neural network weight level assignments that are unevenly spaced.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a bidirectional tuning algorithm.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating weight mapping using current comparison.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating weight mapping using voltage comparison.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the different levels of an exemplary neural network utilizing a non-volatile memory array.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a vector multiplier matrix.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating various levels of a vector multiplier matrix.

FIGS. 15-16 are schematic diagrams illustrating a first architecture of an array of four-gate memory cells.

FIGS. 17-18 are schematic diagrams illustrating a second architecture of an array of four-gate memory cells.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third architecture of an array of four-gate memory cells.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth architecture of an array of four-gate memory cells.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth architecture of an array of four-gate memory cells.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sixth architecture of an array of four-gate memory cells.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first architecture of an array of two-gate memory cells.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second architecture of an array of two-gate memory cells.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a current-to-voltage log converter.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a voltage-to-current log converter.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a Gnd-referred current summer.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a Vdd-referred current summer.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the utilization of N² neural net inputs of a non-volatile memory array.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the utilization of N² neural net inputs of a non-volatile memory array.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating the utilization of neural net inputs of a non-volatile memory array having periodically shifting input lines.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating memory array architecture of FIG. 15, but with periodically shifting input lines.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating memory array architecture of FIG. 20, but with periodically shifting input lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The artificial neural networks of the present invention utilize a combination of CMOS technology and non-volatile memory arrays. Digital non-volatile memories are well known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,130 (“the '130 patent”) discloses an array of split gate non-volatile memory cells, and is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The memory cell is shown in FIG. 2. Each memory cell 10 includes source and drain regions 14/16 formed in a semiconductor substrate 12, with a channel region 18 there between. A floating gate 20 is formed over and insulated from (and controls the conductivity of) a first portion of the channel region 18, and over a portion of the drain region 16. A control gate 22 has a first portion 22 a that is disposed over and insulated from (and controls the conductivity of) a second portion of the channel region 18, and a second portion 22 b that extends up and over the floating gate 20. The floating gate 20 and control gate 22 are insulated from the substrate 12 by a gate oxide 26.

The memory cell is erased (where electrons are removed from the floating gate) by placing a high positive voltage on the control gate 22, which causes electrons on the floating gate 20 to tunnel through the intermediate insulation 24 from the floating gate 20 to the control gate 22 via Fowler-Nordheim tunneling.

The memory cell is programmed (where electrons are placed on the floating gate) by placing a positive voltage on the control gate 22, and a positive voltage on the drain 16. Electron current will flow from the source 14 towards the drain 16. The electrons will accelerate and become heated when they reach the gap between the control gate 22 and the floating gate 20. Some of the heated electrons will be injected through the gate oxide 26 onto the floating gate 20 due to the attractive electrostatic force from the floating gate 20.

The memory cell is read by placing positive read voltages on the drain 16 and control gate 22 (which turns on the channel region under the control gate). If the floating gate 20 is positively charged (i.e. erased of electrons and positively coupled to the drain 16), then the portion of the channel region under the floating gate 20 is turned on as well, and current will flow across the channel region 18, which is sensed as the erased or “1” state. If the floating gate 20 is negatively charged (i.e. programmed with electrons), then the portion of the channel region under the floating gate 20 is mostly or entirely turned off, and current will not flow (or there will be little flow) across the channel region 18, which is sensed as the programmed or “0” state.

The architecture of the memory array is shown in FIG. 3. The memory cells 10 are arranged in rows and columns. In each column, the memory cells are arranged end to end in mirror fashion, so that they are formed as pairs of memory cells each sharing a common source region 14 (S), and each adjacent set of memory cell pairs sharing a common drain region 16 (D). All the source regions 14 for any given row of memory cells are electrically connected together by a source line 14 a. All the drain regions 16 for any given column of memory cells are electrically connected together by a bit line 16 a. All the control gates 22 for any given row of memory cells are electrically connected together by a control gate line 22 a. Therefore, while the memory cells can be individually programmed and read, memory cell erasure is performed row by row (each row of memory cells is erased together, by the application of a high voltage on the control gate line 22 a). If a particular memory cell is to be erased, all the memory cells in the same row are also erased.

Those skilled in the art understand that the source and drain can be interchangeable, where the floating gate can extend partially over the source instead of the drain, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 best illustrates the corresponding memory cell architecture, including the memory cells 10, the source lines 14 a, the bit lines 16 a, and the control gate lines 22 a. As is evident from the figures, memory cells 10 of the same row share the same source line 14 a and the same control gate line 22 a, while the drain regions of all cells of the same column are electrically connected to the same bit line 16 a. The array design is optimized for digital applications, and permits individual programming of the selected cells, e.g., by applying 1.6 V and 7.6 V to the selected control gate line 22 a and source line 14 a, respectively, and grounding the selected bit line 16 a. Disturbing the non-selected memory cell in the same pair is avoided by applying a voltage greater than 2 volts on the unselected bit lines 16 a and grounding the remaining lines. The memory cells 10 cannot be erased individually because the process responsible for erasure (the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling of electrons from the floating gate 20 to the control gate 22) is only weakly affected by the drain voltage (i.e., the only voltage which may be different for two adjacent cells in the row direction sharing the same source line 14 a).

Split gate memory cells having more than two gates are also known. For example, memory cells have source region 14, drain region 16, floating gate 20 over a first portion of channel region 18, a select gate 28 over a second portion of the channel region 18, a control gate 22 over the floating gate 20, and an erase gate 30 over the source region 14 are known, as shown in FIG. 6 (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,310), which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes). Here, all gates are non-floating gates except floating gate 20, meaning that they are electrically connected or connectable to a voltage source. Programming is shown by heated electrons from the channel region 18 injecting themselves onto the floating gate 20. Erasing is shown by electrons tunneling from the floating gate 20 to the erase gate 30.

The architecture for a four-gate memory cell array can be configured as shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, each horizontal select gate line 28 a electrically connects together all the select gates 28 for that row of memory cells. Each horizontal control gate line 22 a electrically connects together all the control gates 22 for that row of memory cells. Each horizontal source line 14 a electrically connects together all the source regions 14 for two rows of memory cells that share the source regions 14. Each bit line 16 a electrically connects together all the drain regions 16 for that column of memory cells. Each erase gate line 30 a electrically connects together all the erase gates 30 for two rows of memory cells that share the erase gate 30. As with the previous architecture, individual memory cells can be independently programmed and read. However, there is no way to erase cells individually. Erasing is performed by placing a high positive voltage on the erase gate line 30 a, which results in the simultaneous erasing of both rows of the memory cells that share the same erase gate line 30 a. Exemplary operating voltages can include those in Table 1 below (in this embodiment, select gate lines 28 a can be referred to as word lines WL):

TABLE 1 WL BL SL CG EG Sel. Unsel. Sel. Unsel. Sel. Unsel. Sel. Unsel. Sel. Unsel. Erase 0 V 0 V 0 V 0 V 0 V 0 V   0 V    0 V 11.5 V   0 V Read 2.5 V   0 V 0.8 V   0 V 0 V 0 V  2.5 V   2.5 V  0 V 0 V Program 1 V 0 V 1 μA 2.5 V   4.5 V   0.5 V   10.5 V 0/2.5 V 43 V 0.5 V  

In order to utilize the above described non-volatile memory arrays in neural networks, two modifications are made. First, the lines are reconfigured so that each memory cell can be individually programmed, erased and read without adversely affecting the memory state of other memory cells in the array, as further explained below. Second, continuous (analog) programming of the memory cells is provided. Specifically, the memory state (i.e. charge on the floating gate) of each memory cells in the array can be continuously changed from a fully erased state to a fully programmed state, and vice versa, independently and with minimal disturbance of other memory cells. This means the cell storage is analog or at the very least can store one of many discrete values, which allows for very precise and individual tuning of all the cells in the memory array, and which makes the memory array ideal for storing and making fine tuning adjustments to the synapsis weights of the neural network.

Memory Cell Programming and Storage

The neural network weight level assignments as stored in the memory cells can be evenly spaced as shown in FIG. 8A, or unevenly spaced as shown in FIG. 8B. Programming of the non-volatile memory cells can be implemented using a bidirectional tuning algorithm such as that shown in FIG. 9. Icell is the read current of the target cell being programmed, and Itarget is the desired read current when the cell is ideally programmed. The target cell read current Icell is read (step 1) and compared to the target read current Itarget (step 2). If the target cell read current Icell is greater than the target read current Itarget, a programming tuning process is performed (step 3) to increase the number of electrons on the floating gate (in which a look up table is used to determine the desired programming voltage VCG on the control gate) (steps 3 a-3 b), which can be repeated as necessary (step 3 c). If the target cell read current Icell is less than the target read current Itarget, an erase tuning process is performed (step 4) to decrease the number of electrons on the floating gate (in which a look up table is used to determine the desired erase voltage VEG on the erase gate) (steps 4 a-4 b), which can be repeated as necessary (step 4 c). If a programming tuning process overshoots the target read current, then an erase tuning process is performed (step 3 d and starting with step 4 a), and vice versa (step 4 d and starting with step 3 a), until the target read current is achieved (within an acceptable delta value).

Programming of the non-volatile memory cells can instead be implemented using a unidirectional tuning algorithm using programming tuning. With this algorithm, the memory cell is initially fully erased, and then the programming tuning steps 3 a-3 c in FIG. 9 are performed until the read current of the target cell reaches the target threshold value. Alternately, the tuning of the non-volatile memory cells can be implemented using the unidirectional tuning algorithm using erasing tuning. In this approach, the memory cell is initially fully programmed, and then the erasing tuning steps 4 a-4 c in FIG. 9 are performed until the read current of the target cell reaches the target threshold value.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating weight mapping using current comparison. The weight digital bits (e.g., 5-bit weight for each synapsis, representing the target digital weight for the memory cell) are input to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 40, which converts the bits to voltage Vout (e.g., 64 voltage levels—5 bits). Vout is converted to a current Iout (e.g. 64 current levels—5 bits) by voltage-to-current converter V/I Cony 42. The current is supplied to a current comparator IComp 44. Program or erase algorithm enabling are input to the memory cell 10 (for example, erase: incrementing EG voltage; or program: increment CG voltage). The memory cell current out Icellout (i.e. from a read operation) is supplied to the current comparator IComp 44. The current comparator IComp 44 compares the memory cell current Icellout with the current Tout derived from the weight digital bits to produce a signal indicative of the weight stored in the memory cell 10.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating weight mapping using voltage comparison. The weight digital bits (e.g., 5-bit weight for each synapsis) are input to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 40, which converts the bits to voltage Vout (e.g., 64 voltage levels—5 bits). Vout is supplied to a voltage comparator VComp 46. Program or erase algorithm enabling are input to the memory cell 10 (for example, erase: incrementing EG voltage; or program: increment CG voltage). The memory cell current out Icellout is supplied to current-to-voltage converter UV Cony 48 for conversion to a voltage V2out (e.g. 64 voltage levels—5 bits). Voltage V2out is supplied to voltage comparator VComp 46. The voltage comparator VComp 46 compares the voltages Vout and V2 out to produce a signal indicative of the weight stored in the memory cell 10.

Neural Networks Employing Non-Volatile Memory Cell Array

FIG. 12 conceptually illustrates a non-limiting example of a neural network utilizing a non-volatile memory array. This example uses the non-volatile memory array neural net for a facial recognition application, but any other appropriate application could be implemented using a non-volatile memory array based neural network. S0 is the input, which for this example is a 32×32 pixel RGB image with 5 bit precision (i.e. three 32×32 pixel arrays, one for each color R, G and B, each pixel being 5 bit precision). The synapses CB1 going from S0 to C1 have both different sets of weights and shared weights, and scan the input image with 3×3 pixel overlapping filters (kernel), shifting the filter by 1 pixel (or more than 1 pixel as dictated by the model). Specifically, values for 9 pixels in a 3×3 portion of the image (i.e., referred to as a filter or kernel) are provided to the synapses CB1, whereby these 9 input values are multiplied by the appropriate weights and, after summing the outputs of that multiplication, a single output value is determined and provided by a first neuron of CB1 for generating a pixel of one of the layers of feature map C1. The 3×3 filter is then shifted one pixel to the right (i.e., adding the column of three pixels on the right, and dropping the column of three pixels on the left), whereby the 9 pixel values in this newly positioned filter are provided to the synapses CB1, whereby they are multiplied by the same weights and a second single output value is determined by the associated neuron. This process is continued until the 3×3 filter scans across the entire 32×32 pixel image, for all three colors and for all bits (precision values). The process is then repeated using different sets of weights to generate a different feature map of C1, until all the features maps of layer C1 have been calculated.

At C1, in the present example, there are 16 feature maps, with 30×30 pixels each. Each pixel is a new feature pixel extracted from multiplying the inputs and kernel, and therefore each feature map is a two dimensional array, and thus in this example the synapses CB1 constitutes 16 layers of two dimensional arrays (keeping in mind that the neuron layers and arrays referenced herein are logical relationships, not necessarily physical relationships—i.e., the arrays are not necessarily oriented in physical two dimensional arrays). Each of the 16 feature maps is generated by one of sixteen different sets of synapse weights applied to the filter scans. The C1 feature maps could all be directed to different aspects of the same image feature, such as boundary identification. For example, the first map (generated using a first weight set, shared for all scans used to generate this first map) could identify circular edges, the second map (generated using a second weight set different from the first weight set) could identify rectangular edges, or the aspect ratio of certain features, and so on.

An activation function P1 (pooling) is applied before going from C1 to S1, which pools values from consecutive, non-overlapping 2×2 regions in each feature map. The purpose of the pooling stage is to average out the nearby location (or a max function can also be used), to reduce the dependence of the edge location for example and to reduce the data size before going to the next stage. At S1, there are 16 15×15 feature maps (i.e., sixteen different arrays of 15×15 pixels each). The synapses and associated neurons in CB2 going from S1 to C2 scan maps in S1 with 4×4 filters, with a filter shift of 1 pixel. At C2, there are 22 12×12 feature maps. An activation function P2 (pooling) is applied before going from C2 to S2, which pools values from consecutive non-overlapping 2×2 regions in each feature map. At S2, there are 22 6×6 feature maps. An activation function is applied at the synapses CB3 going from S2 to C3, where every neuron in C3 connects to every map in S2. At C3, there are 64 neurons. The synapses CB4 going from C3 to the output S3 fully connects S3 to C3. The output at S3 includes 10 neurons, where the highest output neuron determines the class. This output could, for example, be indicative of an identification or classification of the contents of the original image.

Each level of synapses is implemented using an array, or a portion of an array, of non-volatile memory cells. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the vector-by-matrix multiplication (VMM) array that includes the non-volatile memory cells, and is utilized as the synapses between an input layer and the next layer. Specifically, the VMM 32 includes an array of non-volatile memory cells 33, erase gate and word line gate decoder 34, control gate decoder 35, bit line decoder 36 and source line decoder 37, which decode the inputs for the memory array 33. Source line decoder 37 in this example also decodes the output of the memory cell array. The memory array serves two purposes. First, it stores the weights that will be used by the VMM. Second, the memory array effectively multiplies the inputs by the weights stored in the memory array to produce the output, which will be the input to the next layer or input to the final layer. By performing the multiplication function, the memory array negates the need for separate multiplication logic circuits and is also power efficient.

The output of the memory array is supplied to a differential summing op-amp 38, which sums up the outputs of the memory cell array to create a single value for that convolution. The summed up output values are then supplied to the activation function circuit 39, which rectifies the output. The rectified output values become an element of a feature map as the next layer (C1 in the description above for example), and are then applied to the next synapse to produce next feature map layer or final layer. Therefore, in this example, the memory array constitutes a plurality of synapses (which receive their inputs from the prior layer of neurons or from an input layer such as an image database), and summing op-amp 38 and activation function circuit 39 constitute a plurality of neurons.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the various levels of VMM. As shown in FIG. 14, the input is converted from digital to analog by digital-to-analog converter 31, and provided to input VMM 32 a. The output generated by the input VMM 32 a is provided as an input to the next VMM (hidden level 1) 32 b, which in turn generates an output that is provided as an input to the next VMM (hidden level 2) 32 c, and so on. The various layers of VMM's 32 function as different layers of synapses and neurons of a convolutional neural network (CNN). Each VMM can be a stand-alone non-volatile memory array, or multiple VMMs could utilize different portions of the same non-volatile memory array, or multiple VMMs could utilize overlapping portions of the same non-volatile memory array.

FIG. 15 illustrates an array of four-gate memory cells (i.e., such as that shown in FIG. 6) arranged as a drain summing matrix multiplier. The various gate and region lines for the array of FIG. 15 are the same as that in FIG. 7 (with the same element numbers for corresponding structure), except that the erase gate lines 30 a run vertically instead of horizontally (i.e., each erase gate line 30 a connects together all the erase gates 30 for that column of memory cells) so that each memory cell 10 can be independently programmed, erased and read. After each of the memory cells is programmed with the appropriate weight value for that cell, the array acts as a drain summing matrix multiplier. The matrix inputs are Vin0 . . . Vin7 and are placed on select gate lines 28 a. The matrix of outputs Iout0 . . . IoutN for the array of FIG. 15 are produced on the bit lines 16 a. Each output Tout is a sum of the cell current I times the weight W stored in the cell, for all the cells in the column:

Iout=τ(Iij*Wij)

Each memory cell (or pair of memory cells) acts as a single synapse having a weight value expressed as output current Tout dictated by the sum of the weight values stored in the memory cell (or pair of memory cells) in that column. The output of any given synapse is in the form of current. Therefore, each subsequent VMM stage after the first stage preferably includes circuitry for converting incoming currents from the previous VMM stage into voltages to be used as the input voltages Vin. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of such current-to-voltage conversion circuitry, which is a modified row of memory cells that log converts the incoming currents Iin0 . . . IinN into the input voltages Vin0 . . . VinN.

The memory cells described herein are biased in weak inversion,

Ids=Io*e ^((Vg−Vth)/kVt) =w*Io*e ^((Vg)/kVt)

For the I-to-V log converter using a memory cell to convert input current into an input voltage:

Vg=k*Vt*log [Ids/wp*Io]

For a memory array used as a vector matrix multiplier VMM, the output current is:

Iout=wa*Io*e ^((Vg)/kVt), namely

Iout=(wa/wp)*Iin=W*Iin

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate another configuration of an array of four-gate memory cells (i.e., such as that shown in FIG. 6) arranged as a drain summing matrix multiplier. The lines for the array of FIGS. 17 and 18 are the same as that in the array of FIGS. 15 and 16, except that the source lines 14 a run vertically instead of horizontally (i.e., each source line 14 a connects together all the source regions 14 for that column of memory cells) and erase gate lines 30 a run horizontally instead of vertically (i.e., each erase gate line 30 a connects together all the erase gates 30 for that row of memory cell pairs), so that each memory cell can be independently programmed, erased and read. The matrix inputs Vin0 . . . VinN remain on select gate lines 28 a, and the matrix outputs Iout0 . . . IoutN remain on the bit lines 16 a.

FIG. 19 illustrates another configuration of an array of four-gate memory cells (i.e., such as that shown in FIG. 6) arranged as a gate coupling/source summing matrix multiplier. The lines for the array of FIG. 19 are the same as that in FIGS. 15 and 16, except that the select gate lines 28 a run vertically and there are two of them for each column of memory cells. Specifically, each column of memory cells include two select gate lines: a first select gate line 28 a 1 connecting together all the select gates 28 of the odd row memory cells, and a second select gate line 28 a 2 connecting together all the select gates 28 of the even row memory cells.

The circuits at the top and bottom of FIG. 19 serve to log convert the input currents Iin0 . . . IinN into the input voltages Vin0 . . . VinN. The matrix inputs shown in this figure are Vin0 . . . Vin5 and are placed on the select gate lines 28 a 1 and 28 a 2. Specifically, input Vin0 is placed on the select gate line 28 a 1 for the odd cells in column 1. Vin1 is placed on the select gate line 28 a 2 for the even cells in column 1. Vin2 is placed on the select gate line 28 a 1 for the odd cells in column 2. Vin3 is placed on the select gate line 28 a 2 for the even cells in column 2, and so on. The matrix outputs Iout0 . . . Iout3 are provided on the source lines 14 a. The bit lines 16 a are biased at fixed bias voltage VBLrd. Each output Tout is a sum of the cell current I times the weight W stored in the cell, for all the cells in that row of memory cells. Therefore, for this architecture, each row of memory cells acts as a single synapse having a weight value expressed as output current Tout dictated by the sum of the weight values stored in the memory cells in that row.

FIG. 20 illustrates another configuration of an array of four-gate memory cells (i.e., such as that shown in FIG. 6) arranged as a gate coupling/source summing matrix multiplier. The lines for the array of FIG. 20 are the same as that in FIG. 19, except that bit lines 16 run vertically and there are two of them for each column of memory cells. Specifically, each column of memory cells include two bit lines: a first bit line 16 a 1 connecting together all the drain regions of the adjacent twin memory cells (two memory cells sharing the same bit line contact), and a second bit line 16 a 2 connecting together all the drain regions of the next adjacent twin memory cells. The matrix inputs Vin0 . . . VinN remain on select gate lines 28 a 1 and 28 a 2, and the matrix outputs Iout0 . . . IoutN remain on the source lines 14 a. The set of all the first bit lines 16 a 1 are biased at a bias level, e.g., 1.2v, and the set of all the second bit lines 16 a 2 are biased at another bias level, e.g., 0v. The source lines 14 a are biased at a virtual bias level, e.g., 0.6 v. For each pair of memory cells sharing a common source line 14 a, the output current will be a differential output of the top cell minus the bottom cell. Therefore, each output Tout is a sum of these differential outputs:

Iout=Σ(Iiju*Wiju−Iijd*Wijd)

SL voltage˜½ Vdd, ˜0.5 v

Therefore, for this architecture, each row of paired memory cells acts as a single synapse having a weight value expressed as output current Tout which is the sum of differential outputs dictated by the weight values stored in the memory cells in that row of paired memory cells.

FIG. 21 illustrates another configuration of an array of four-gate memory cells (i.e., such as that shown in FIG. 6) arranged as a gate coupling/source summing matrix multiplier. The lines for the array of FIG. 21 are the same as that in FIG. 20, except that the erase gates 30 a run horizontally, and the control gate lines 22 a run vertically and there are two of them for each column of memory cells. Specifically, each column of memory cells include two control gate lines: a first control gate line 22 a 1 connecting together all the control gates 22 a of the odd row memory cells, and a second control gate line 22 a 2 connecting together all the control gates 22 a of the even row memory cells. The matrix inputs Vin0 . . . VinN remain on select gate lines 28 a 1 and 28 a 2, and the matrix outputs Iout0 . . . IoutN remain on the source lines 14 a.

FIG. 22 illustrates another configuration of an array of four-gate memory cells (i.e., such as that shown in FIG. 6) arranged as a source summing matrix multiplier. The lines and inputs for the array of FIG. 22 are the same as that in FIG. 17. However, instead of the outputs being provided on the bit lines 16 a, they are provided on the source lines 14 a. The matrix inputs Vin0 . . . VinN remain on select gate lines 28 a.

FIG. 23 illustrates a configuration of an array of two-gate memory cells (i.e., such as that shown in FIG. 1) arranged as a drain summing matrix multiplier. The lines for the array of FIG. 23 are the same as that in FIG. 5, except that the horizontal source lines 14 a have been replaced with vertical source lines 14 a. Specifically, each source line 14 a is connected to all the source regions in that column of memory cells. The matrix inputs Vin0 . . . VinN are placed on the control gate lines 22 a. The matrix outputs Iout0 . . . IoutN are produced on the bit lines 16 a. Each output Tout is a sum of the cell current I times the weight W stored in the cell, for all the cells in the column. Each column of memory cells acts as a single synapse having a weight value expressed as output current Tout dictated by the sum of the weight values stored in the memory cells for that column.

FIG. 24 illustrates a configuration of an array of two-gate memory cells (i.e., such as that shown in FIG. 1) arranged as a source summing matrix multiplier. The lines for the array of FIG. 24 are the same as that in FIG. 5, except that the control gate lines 22 a run vertically and there are two of them for each column of memory cells. Specifically, each column of memory cells include two control gate lines: a first control gate line 22 a 1 connecting together all the control gates 22 a of the odd row memory cells, and a second control gate line 22 a 2 connecting together all the control gates 22 a of the even row memory cells.

The matrix inputs for this configuration are Vin0 . . . VinN and are placed on the control gate lines 22 a 1 and 22 a 2. Specifically, input Vin0 is placed on control gate line 22 a 1 for the odd row cells in column 1. Vin1 is placed on the control gate line 22 a 2 for the even row cells in column 1. Vin2 is placed on the control gate line 22 a 1 for the odd row cells in column 2. Vin3 is placed on the control gate line 22 a 2 for the even row cells in column 2, and so on. The matrix outputs Iout0 . . . IoutN are produced on the source lines 14 a. For each pair of memory cells sharing a common source line 14 a, the output current will be a differential output of the top cell minus the bottom cell. Therefore, for this architecture, each row of paired memory cells acts as a single synapse having a weight value expressed as output current Tout which is the sum of differential outputs dictated by the weight values stored in the memory cells in that row of paired memory cells.

Exemplary operational voltages for the embodiments of FIGS. 15-16, 19 and 20 include:

EG WL CG BL SL sel unsel sel unsel sel unsel sel unsel sel unsel Erase VEGerase gnd gnd gnd gnd VCGerinhibit gnd gnd gnd gnd Program VEGprg/gnd gnd VWLprg gnd VCGprg gnd Iprog VBLprginh VSprg gnd Read gnd gnd VWLrd gnd VCGrd gnd VBLrd gnd VSrd float/gnd Approximate numerical values include:

VEGerase 8-11.5 v VCGerinhibit 3 .5-8 v VEGprg 4-6 v VWLprg 0.8-1.2 v VCGprg 6-10 v VBLprginh 1-2.5 v Iprog 0.2-1 μa VSprg 3-5 V VWLrd 0.4-2.0 V VCGrd 0-2.5 V VBLrd 1-2 V VSrd 0-0.6 V

Exemplary operational voltages for the embodiments of FIGS. 17-18 and 22 include:

EG WL CG BL SL sel unsel sel unsel sel unsel-shared EG unsel sel unsel sel unsel Erase VEGerase gnd gnd gnd gnd VCGerinh gnd gnd VBLerinh/gnd VSLerinh gnd Program VEGprg/gnd gnd VWLprg gnd VCGprg/gnd gnd gnd Iprog VBLprginh VSprg gnd Read gnd gnd VWLrd gnd VCGrd gnd gnd VBLrd gnd VSrd float/gnd Approximate numerical values include:

VEGerase 7-10 v VSLerinh 3.5-6 v VCGerinh 3.5-7 v VBLerinh 1-2.5 v VEGprg 4-6 v VWLprg 0.8-1.2 v VCGprg 6-10 v VBLprginh 1-2.5 v Iprog 0.2-1 μa VSprg 3-5 V VWLrd 0.4-2.0 V VCGrd 1-2.5 V VBLrd 1-2 V VSrd 0-0.6 V

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary current to voltage log converter 50 for use with the present invention (WL=select gate line, CG=control gate line, EG=erase gate line). The memory is biased in a weak inversion region, Ids=Io*e^((Vg−Vth)/kVt). FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary voltage to current log converter 52 for use with the present invention. The memory is biased in a weak inversion region. FIG. 27 illustrates a Gnd-referred current summer 54 for use with the present invention. FIG. 28 below illustrates a Vdd-referred current summer 56 for use with the present invention. Examples of the load include a diode, a non-volatile memory cell, and a resistor.

The above described memory array configurations implement a feed-forward classification-engine. The training is completed by storing “weight” values in the memory cells (creating a synapse array), which means subthreshold-slope-factors of the individual cells have been modified. The neurons are implemented by summing the outputs of synapse and firing or not firing depending on the neuron threshold (i.e., making a decision).

The following steps can be used to process input current I_(E) (e.g. the input current is coming directly from the output of feature calculations for image recognition):

-   -   Step 1—Convert to log scale for easier processing with         non-volatile memory.         -   Input Current to voltage conversion using a bipolar             transistor. Bias voltage V_(BE) of a bipolar transistor has             a logarithmic relationship with the emitter current.         -   VBE=a*lnI_(E)−b→V_(BE)∝lnI_(E)             -   Where a (ratio) and b (bias or offset) are constants         -   V_(BE) voltage is generated such that the memory cells will             be operated in the subthreshold region.     -   Step 2—Apply the generated bias voltage VBE to the word line (in         subthreshold region).         -   Output current I_(DRAIN) of a CMOS transistor has an             exponential relationship with the input voltage (V_(GS)),             Thermal Voltage (U_(T)) and kappa             (k=C_(ox)/(C_(ox)+C_(dep))), where C_(ox) and C_(dep) are             linearly dependent on the charge on the floating gate.         -   I_(DRAIN)∝Exp(kV_(BE)/U_(T)), OR         -   lnI_(DRAIN)∝kV_(BE)/U_(T)         -   Logarithmic of I_(DRAIN) has a linear relationship with the             multiple of V_(BE) and charge on the floating gate (related             to kappa), where U_(T) is constant at a given temperature.         -   An Output=Input*weights relationship exists for a synapse.

The output of each of the cells (I_(DRAIN)) could be tied together in the read mode to sum up the values of each synapse in the array or sector of the array. Once I_(DRAIN) has been summed up, it can be fed into a current comparator, and output a “logic” 0 or 1 depending on the comparison for a single perception neural network. One perception (one sector) is described above. The output from each perception can be fed to the next set of sectors for multiple perceptions.

In a memory based Convolutional Neural Network, a set of inputs needs to be multiplied with certain weights to produce a desired result for a hidden layer or output layer. As explained above, one technique is to scan the preceding image (for example an N×N matrix) using an M×M filter (kernel) that is shifted by X pixels across the image in both horizontal and vertical directions. The scanning of the pixels can be done at least partially concurrently so long as there are enough inputs to the memory array. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, a filter size of M=6 (i.e., a 6×6 array of 36 pixels) can be used to scan an N×N image array, using shifts of X=2. In that example, the first row of six pixels in the filter is provided to the first 6 of the inputs to the memory array of N² inputs. Then, the second row of six pixels in the filter is provided to the first 6 of the inputs in the second N inputs of the N² inputs, and so on. This is represented in the first row of the diagram in FIG. 29, where the dots represent the weights stored in the memory array for multiplication by the inputs as set forth above. Then, the filter is shifted to the right by two pixels, and the first row of six pixels in the shifted filter is provided to the third through the eighth inputs of the first N inputs, the second row of six pixels is provided to the third through the eight inputs of the second N inputs, and so on. Once the filter is shifted all the way to the right side of the image, the filter is repositioned back to the left side, but shifted down by two pixels, where the process repeats again, until the entire N×N image is scanned. Each set of horizontally shifted scans can be represented by trapezoidal shapes showing which of the N² memory array inputs are provided with data for multiplication.

Accordingly, a scan of N×N image array, using a shift of two pixels between scans, and a filter size of 6×6, requires N² inputs and ((N−4)/2))² rows. FIG. 30 graphically shows the trapezoidal shapes indicating how the weights in the memory array are stored for the filter scan. Each row of shaded areas represents weights being applied to the inputs during one set of the horizontal scans. The arrows indicate linear input lines of the memory array (e.g., the input lines 28 a in FIG. 15 that receive the input data extend all the way across the memory array in a linear manner, each one always accessing the same row of memory cells; in the case of the array of FIG. 19, each of the input lines always access the same column of memory cells). The white areas indicate where no data is being supplied to the inputs. Therefore, the white areas are indicative of inefficient use of the memory cell array.

Efficiency can be increased, and the total number of inputs reduced, by reconfiguring the memory arrays as shown in FIG. 31. Specifically, the input lines of the memory array are shifted periodically to another row or column, thus reducing the unused portions of the array, and therefore reducing the number of repeated input lines over the array needed to perform the scan. Specifically, in the case of the present example where the shift X=2, the arrows indicate that each input line periodically shifts over by two rows or two columns, transforming the widely spaced apart memory cell utilization trapezoidal shapes to closely spaced memory cell utilization rectangular shapes. While extra space between memory cell portions are needed for wire bundles to implement this shift, the number of inputs needed in the memory cell array is greatly reduced (only 5n+6).

FIG. 32 illustrates the array of FIG. 15, but with periodic shifts of two rows for lines 28 a used as the input lines. The periodic shift in rows for the input lines can be similarly implemented in the arrays of FIGS. 17, 22 and 23. FIG. 33 illustrates the array of FIG. 20, but with periodic shifts of two columns for lines 28 a 1 and 28 a 2 used as the input lines. The periodic shift in column for the input lines can be similarly implemented in the arrays of FIGS. 19, 21 and 24.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described above and illustrated herein, but encompasses any and all variations falling within the scope of any claims. For example, references to the present invention herein are not intended to limit the scope of any claim or claim term, but instead merely make reference to one or more features that may be covered by one or more claims. Materials, processes and numerical examples described above are exemplary only, and should not be deemed to limit the claims. Single layers of material could be formed as multiple layers of such or similar materials, and vice versa. While the outputs of each memory cell array are manipulated by filter condensation before being sent to the next neuron layer, they need not be.

It should be noted that, as used herein, the terms “over” and “on” both inclusively include “directly on” (no intermediate materials, elements or space disposed therebetween) and “indirectly on” (intermediate materials, elements or space disposed therebetween). Likewise, the term “adjacent” includes “directly adjacent” (no intermediate materials, elements or space disposed therebetween) and “indirectly adjacent” (intermediate materials, elements or space disposed there between), “mounted to” includes “directly mounted to” (no intermediate materials, elements or space disposed there between) and “indirectly mounted to” (intermediate materials, elements or spaced disposed there between), and “electrically coupled” includes “directly electrically coupled to” (no intermediate materials or elements there between that electrically connect the elements together) and “indirectly electrically coupled to” (intermediate materials or elements there between that electrically connect the elements together). For example, forming an element “over a substrate” can include forming the element directly on the substrate with no intermediate materials/elements therebetween, as well as forming the element indirectly on the substrate with one or more intermediate materials/elements there between. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A circuit for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory, comprising: a converter for converting a target weight into a target current; and a comparator for comparing the target current to an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation.
 2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the converter comprises: a digital-to-analog converter for converting the target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage.
 3. The circuit of claim 2, wherein the target weight comprises a plurality of bits.
 4. The circuit of claim 2, wherein the converter further comprises: a voltage-to-current converter for converting the target voltage into the target current.
 5. The circuit of claim 4, wherein the target weight comprises a plurality of bits.
 6. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the converter further comprises: a voltage-to-current converter for converting the target voltage into the target current.
 7. The circuit of claim 6, wherein the target weight comprises a plurality of bits.
 8. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the target weight comprises a plurality of bits.
 9. A method for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory, comprising: converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage; converting the target voltage into a target current; and comparing an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell to the target current during a verify operation.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage is performed by digital-to-analog converter.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of converting the target voltage into a target current is performed by a voltage-to-current converter.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of converting the target voltage into a target current is performed by a voltage-to-current converter.
 13. A circuit for verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory, comprising: a digital-to-analog converter for converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage; a current-to-voltage converter for converting an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation into an output voltage; and a comparator for comparing the output voltage to the target voltage during a verify operation.
 14. A method of verifying a weight programmed into a selected non-volatile memory cell in a neural memory, comprising: converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage; converting an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation into an output voltage; and comparing the output voltage to the target voltage during a verify operation.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of converting a target weight comprising digital bits into a target voltage is performed by digital-to-analog converter.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of converting an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation into an output voltage is performed by a current-to-voltage converter.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of converting an output current from the selected non-volatile memory cell during a verify operation into an output voltage is performed by a current-to-voltage converter. 